MSc Demography provides instruction on contemporary demographic issues, demographic methods and approaches, as well as general social science research methods – both qualitative and quantitative. We welcome students with limited background in quantitative methods. This programme is suitable for those, who would like to learn more about demography, qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Graduates from this programme will be equipped to undertake quantitative analysis to support social policymaking locally, nationally and internationally in the health and social care professions, market research, local and national government departments, international organisations and the many other agencies that require a sound demographic analysis for decision-making.
Introducing your
course
Intrigued by the key issues brought on by the constant changes in global populations? Then apply for a Masters in Demography at the University of Southampton to see the world in a different light by understanding population change and the methods of researching ageing societies. Through this masters degree, you can examine population and reproductive health as well as the population trends in both developed and developing countries.
The Masters in Demography degree can lead to a national or international career as a highly trained population scientist in the public, private or third sectors.
Programme Overview
The programme involves a core of compulsory modules which cover contemporary demographic issues, demographic methods and approaches, as well as general social science research methods – both qualitative and quantitative.
It benefits from our strong quantitative tradition in Social Sciences, which provides training in rigorous statistical methods. There are also a number of option modules in methodological and demographic topics.
You should apply using the University's online application form. You can find more details on our Apply page.
Deadlines Applications can be submitted at any time, although we would encourage applicants to apply before the end of May. If you are seeking financial support for your postgraduate studies, we recommend that you apply to have time to gather the necessary documentation for your funding body/sponsor depending on the deadline of the funder.
References For all applications, two academic references are required. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications until we have received both references.
Programme Structure
The programme is normally full-time and lasts for 12 months, with nine months of taught modules between October and June of the academic year, followed by three months of research and preparation of a masters dissertation.
It is possible to undertake this programme over 27 months of part-time study, providing suitable arrangements can be made.
Key Facts
As a leading centre of demography and poverty analysis, our research covers: demographic estimation and statistical modelling; the family, life course and ageing; historical demography; HIV/AIDS; reproductive and child health in the developing world; and research on poverty and living standards in both rich and poor countries.
Studying at Southampton has been an awesome experience. The environment is very green with top-notch learning resource facilities.
Entry Requirements
Typical entry requirements
Language requirements
Competency in English language is essential for this master's degree. You should have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. Students who do not have a degree from a British University, or who are from a country that is not on the list of those exempt from testing, will be required to present evidence of IELTS score or equivalent. Further details are available in English language proficiency page. All language evidence should be less than two years old.
We welcome applications from students who have, or expect to have, an upper second-class honours degree or higher in any of the social sciences or geography, or in other disciplines, such as mathematics or statistics, where previous training is of particular relevance to population analysis.
The taught component of the programme consists of 30 study weeks divided into two semesters
The programme consists of a number of modules and a dissertation to be completed over the summer months. A total of 120 CATS points are required to complete the taught component of the course.
Year
1
Supervised research for MSc Demography After the taught modules you will undertake a supervised research project starting in June and submit a dissertation for the MSc in September (or December if studying part time). Providing satisfactory supervision arrangements can be made, you can work on a topic of your own choice.
Dissertations are of about 15,000 words in length. They should demonstrate your mastery of the topic area, but they are not expected to contain a substantial original contribution.
Dissertation examples
An investigation into population change through internal and international migration at the county level in England
Reproductive health among adolescents in Malawi
Risk factors of disease and mortality in developing countries
Determinants of contraceptive approval among religious leaders in Pakistan
Health inequality in Madagascar
Wellbeing among children left behind by migrant parents in Tajikistan
Maternal health policy change in Ghana
Educational attainment trends in the UK
In the week before the first semester begins, you will attend induction events including:
the computing facilities at Southampton
core statistical packages SPSS and STATA
In addition to the core and compulsory modules listed, students should choose 30 CATS worth of optional modules from the list below. Modules on other MSc programmes (e.g. MSc Gerontology) may be taken as options after discussion with your academic tutor and the MSc programme coordinator.
Semester One
Core
[?]
A core module is a module which must be taken and passed.
DEMO6008Credit[?]
Credits are based on the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS).
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
List of tuition fees for this course and it's variations
We are partnering with the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission (CSC) to offer international scholarships to support students from select Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study a Masters programme in the United Kingdom. The CSC is accepting applications for the MSc Demography 2020 entry.
The scholarship offers full funding including fees, a monthly stipend payment and travel costs.
PIC Masters Studentship Scheme in Population Studies 2019
We are looking for excellent candidates to apply for the Population Investigation Committee Masters Studentship Scheme for the upcoming academic year. The scheme is addressed to candidates applying for a one-year MSc programme with high demographic content. At the University of Southampton, MSc Demography and MSc Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics are eligible.
The studentships are restricted to students who have settled status in the UK and have been ordinarily resident here for at least three years. You should have at a minimum a 2:1 first degree, but in exceptional circumstances this requirement may be relaxed.
If you would like to apply, please be in touch with the MSc programme coordinator Dr Heini Väisänen (h.e.vaisanen@soton.ac.uk) as soon as possible, but by 14 June 2019 at the latest. Please note that you will also need to complete an application to your chosen MSc programme via the University of Southampton online application system.
Opening date: 1 April 2019
Closing date: 2 July 2019 – but you must contact Dr Väisänen by 14 June 2019 if you wish to apply.
Please take a look at the PIC website for more information.
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the
University:
Type
Description
Equipment
Approved calculators:
Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved model is Casio FX-570 This may be purchased from any source and no longer needs to carry the University logo.
Stationery
You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
Books
Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
Equipment
IT: Software licenses -
All specific pieces of software required as part of your programme are available on the University’s public workstations. Statistical software can be downloaded via iSolutions for free:
https://www.software.soton.ac.uk
Equipment
IT: Hardware -
Public workstations loaded with all specific pieces of software that are required as part of your course are available in Building 58. Public workstations loaded with more generic software are available across the campus. You may, however, benefit from having your own PC or laptop and a USB stick.
Printing and copying
Much of your coursework, such as essays and projects, is likely to be submitted on line. However, there are some items where it is not possible to submit on line and students will be asked to provide a printed copy, including the MSc dissertation. Information about generic University printing, including printing costs, can be found here: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing/
Information about dissertation printing can be found here:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/printcentre/dissertation_thesis/index.page?
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
Learning & Assessment
Teaching methods
Modules are taught using a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars, group work or project work.
Lectures offer an overview of a topic, an explanation of difficult concepts or a discussion of key issues. Lectures presume a certain amount of additional reading, so it is often a good idea to read references before attending the corresponding lecture.
Seminars provide a forum for a closer examination of particular aspects of each module and are an important part of the learning process. Usually it is only by discussing and questioning aspects of a subject that their full implications can be understood. You will prepare papers and lead discussions or debates, and so develop your written and presentational skills.
The increasing use of web-based, video-based and PowerPoint-based teaching methods demonstrates our commitment to the effective use of available equipment and resources.
Assessment methods
Each module will involve one or two sessions each week spread over the semester. For each module, students will be expected to write one or more essays (or the equivalent), make presentations or contribute to seminar discussions.
Some modules are assessed by essays, others by exams, and some by a mix of these methods. Exams are held at the end of each semester.
